Conferences provide inspiration for schools

14th Dec 2016

Following on from last year’s well received Inspiration Conferences, our 2016 events have once again been a great success. Held in Abingdon and Swindon, the conferences were attended by 95 careers co-ordinators, teachers and careeers leads from schools across the Thames Valley.

National keynote speakers provided inspiration on the theme of employer engagement and best practice.

David Andrews OBE, researcher and consulting specialist, spoke on the management and leadership of CEIAG in schools. He said that schools should take control of the decline in careers education and advice in schools, which now sees fewer than 1 in 3 schools with an adequate careers programme. He called for statutory guidance to include the establishment of a Careers Leader in every school to ensure that careers education is fully embedded in the curriculum.

Speaking at the Swindon conference, Tristram Hooley, Professor of career education at the University of Derby, outlined what works in employer engagement. He said that employer mentoring, enterprise competitions and work related learning provided in cooperation with employers are proven to have a positive impact. He stressed the essential role that brokerage plays and the importance of schools building long lasting relationships with employers rather than looking for quick fixes.

The event also featured speakers from leading organisations in the sector including Careers England, the Careers and Enterprise Company and the National Careers Service.

Workshops after lunch addressed a variety of topics including careers education for young people with special needs and disabilities, careers in the NHS and degree apprenticeships.

Feedback from attendees highlighted how useful and informative the events were, with “an excellent mix of relevant topics” and “lots of really practical, implementable ideas”.

The National Careers Service Inspiration Agenda aims to bring schools and employers together to inspire young people, raise their learning and career aspirations, and provide real-life contact with the world of work.

For more information about these and other Inspiration Agenda activities please contact tonyinga@adviza.org.uk